What started as personal healing from scoliosis and years of musical performance, for Gremnir Graham, became a passion for helping others. Now, with 2½ years at Burke Williams in San Jose, he blends skill, intuition, and creativity to help guests find relief, balance, and lasting results.
Name: Austin "Gremnir" Graham Hired: 2022
Burke Williams Location: San Jose
Position: Massage Therapist
What inspired you to become a massage therapist?
At an early age, I learned how helpful massage is and have benefited from it well into adulthood. When I was 14, I was diagnosed with scoliosis and two years later, I began receiving massages to help manage my pain.
As a professional cellist for the past 20 years, I have relied heavily on bodywork. Playing the cello requires long periods of sitting and intense fine motor skills involving the arms, wrists and hands. At the time I was also teaching music both in-person and remotely.
Massage had always intrigued me, but I didn’t seriously consider it as a career until the tail end of the COVID-19 pandemic. The job market was shifting, and massage therapy looked like a field in high demand. My personal experience working with people while in massage school confirmed just how needed this work really is.
I came to understand that massage isn’t just for the injured or musicians, but every profession carries physical and emotional stress that massage can help with. I'm so grateful to now have the skills to support others in managing pain and stress.
What made Burke Williams stand out to you when you were looking for a place to work?
While in school, I externed at both Burke Williams and another spa. As an extern at Burke Williams in San Francisco, I not only received feedback for massages I gave to staff, I also had the opportunity to see and understand how essential the “back of the house,” or distribution department, really is. This department allows massage therapists to fully focus on their craft, while they manage the behind-the-scenes details to ensure every part of the guest experience runs smoothly.
Everyone I met, from management to hourly employees, was so warm, kind, and welcoming to me. The friendly, supportive and team-oriented culture made a huge impression on me and solidified Burke Williams as my top choice to work.
With the support of Jenn, the Burke Williams’ Recruiter, I created a stand out resume, even as a recent graduate. She walked me through the company’s standards and prepared me for the interview and practical. Then, she connected me with Roger, the massage manager of Burke Williams - San Jose at that time. I am deeply grateful for Roger seeing my passion and skills and taking a chance by bringing me onto his team!
What’s something about being a massage therapist that surprised you once you started working in the field?
I was surprised at how fast-paced the spa environment can be! A few people at Burke Williams in San Francisco considered the San Jose location, "The Beast" because of how busy it is, being in the heart of Silicon Valley. That said, I'd rather be in a busy, high-energy workplace (even if the rooms feel a bit small) than have long breaks between guests. I love a challenge!
How has your approach to bodywork evolved since you first started?
Ooh, that's a great question! As someone who has a naturally firm touch, I have learned to focus on delivering noticeable results, no matter what service the guest books. I blend a lot of modalities together with a lot of attention to listening to what the guest is sharing. Most importantly, I do my best to attentively listen to what has been bothering my guests and tailor my approach with those details in mind. In my experience, that has a massive part in determining whether or not I see them again. So far, it's worked out pretty well.
How do you personally stay grounded and energized as a therapist?
That's a challenge for a lot of us these days, myself included. I do my best to keep my mind locked on what's in front of me, staying present. If that's difficult, I pay attention to what I'm feeling physically, emotionally and mentally. From there I can label and hold space for those things as best I can while on the job, then find a reason to laugh or smile. Having attentive coworkers to enjoy is a real blessing too.
What’s something you wish more people understood about massage therapy?
I wish more people saw massage therapy as a respectable art form. As a cellist, I sometimes like to think of the body like an orchestra with trillions of tiny muscle fibers (or strings) that sometimes need help coming back to harmony. I serve as the "conductor" during the session.
These groups of strings also have compositional patterns, such as with directions of muscle fibers and ranges of motion, that echo with patterns in western music theory. Every part has a purpose and connects to something else to the greater whole, whether it’s a sonata, symphony or the human body.
How does working at Burke Williams support your growth as a therapist?
Shortly after joining the Burke Williams team, I started seeing sign-ups for massage workshops. When I saw a workshop for side-lying/prenatal massage, I signed up right away so I could get more training since it had been awhile since I practiced those techniques and the safe draping that is needed. The class was wonderful and I felt much more confident after.
They continue to offer workshops to develop and to provide support for employees, like body mechanics, stretching and communication. I have learned a lot, and I hear that more learning opportunities are on the way!
What advice would you give to someone just starting massage school or their first job in the field?
What has worked for me so far boils down to a few fundamental mindsets:
First, have a genuine, almost childlike, enthusiasm for this career. At times, it doesn't feel like work for me; it’s something I truly enjoy doing (even when my feet hurt). The corporate hustle is real, no doubt, but I’ve learned to find balance and joy despite the pressures of the outside world.
Secondly, have a ravenous curiosity. I love refining my technique to help myself and my guests. I often like to receive massages, and when I find techniques that work for my pain, I try them out with my guests.
Third, experiment! Try new things with guests you have established rapport with. Mine have responded really well when I tell them I’m trying something new. It feels like I’m sharing a privileged trade secret. Their feedback is a huge part of discovering what works!
Interested in finding out more about Burke Williams?
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